Seasons of the Soul

The first snow fall is upon us and although the calendar says it is technically still autumn, it definitely feels like winter. One of the things I love most about Wisconsin is the distinct seasons. There is no mistaking when winter is here. Or spring or summer, or fall. While I have my favorites, each of the seasons bring something unique to our lives and to the world around us.

As I write this, I hear the wind blowing and see swirling snow outside my window. These are definitely not my favorite parts of the season. Braving the cold...slippery roads...these are things I would gladly do without. It reminds me that winter can be such difficult season for some people. Not just because of what occurs outside...frigid temperatures, ice, wind, and snow storms...but because of how those things often resonate with what's taking place on the inside...within a person's soul.

Our souls experience different seasons just as nature around us does. There are times we feel excitement and great expectation as we experience the new life and fresh hope of springtime. Sometimes our souls seem to be living under the warm sun, blue skies and growth of summer and we are filled with joy and sweet pleasure. Still there are other times as we reap the fruits of hard labor and enjoy a harvest of blessings that our souls know peace and contentment...the season of autumn. And then there are the seasons of winter, the times when our souls can feel dark, frozen, barren, or empty. Bitter winds can seem to be swirling inside of us. This season of the soul often sneaks up on us unannounced and almost always lasts longer than we'd like. Days can turn into months, always feeling like winter... but never Christmas. In this season, we can sometimes lose hope of ever seeing the sun again. Isaiah 60:1 speaks such wonderful encouragement to souls who may feel stuck in the season of winter: "ARISE [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you--rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you." -(AMP) The light spoken of here is Jesus. In John 9:5 Jesus referred to Himself as the "Light of the World". Because He has come...as our Saviour, Redeemer, and Deliverer... we do have hope for our souls. No matter what season we may find ourselves in, we know that He is there with us. His light is able to dispel the darkness and the warmth of His love can reach to the deepest places within us to comfort and heal and bring about new life.

So even when winter may feel like it goes on and on without ever being Christmas, we must hold onto the truth that Christmas has come. It came with Jesus coming to the earth to be hope for all people. It comes as we accept God's free gift of salvation. And Christmas remains in our hearts as we carry within us the promise of eternity because of the precious gift of Jesus.

That's a promise and a gift for every season!